Cleaning Heatsink in ThinkPad X60 Tablet?

Is there a step by step guide (preferably with pictures) on how to clean the heatsink or other parts of my ThinkPad X60 Tablet.

It overheats, and is very slow.

 

Have you tried using the Hardware Maintenance Manual for the X60 Tablet? Alternatively you can use Lenovo's Service Training for video instructions, check the Notebook tab, ThinkPads, X Series then the X60 Tablet section. You can then clean the heatsink using Compressed Air, you may also want to apply new thermal paste for good measure too.

 

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to "suck dirt out of the machine" - just apply to the exhaust of the heatsink and use your hand to improve air flow through the heatsink.
I am not sure about the layout of the laptop in question, but a heatsink that is accessible easily from the outside is necessary. That rules out many Apple laptops and others. It has worked perfectly for all of my machines. Be warned though, the fan may start whistling with the air rushing through. As far as I am aware, this does not have any effect on the performance of the fan though.

While not as good as opening the computer and cleaning the bits and pieces by hand, this may already have the desired effect on temperatures/noise.

 

I was not able to find X60 Tablet at Lenovo's Service Training site.

Do we have to use new screws?

Code:

Loose screws can cause a reliability problem. In the ThinkPad computer, this problem is addressed with special nylon-coated screws that have the following characteristics:
 * They maintain tight connections.
 * They do not easily come loose, even with shock or vibration. 
 * They are harder to tighten.
 * Each one should be used only once.

Do the following when you service this machine:
 * Keep the screw kit (for the P/N, see “Miscellaneous parts” on page 155) in your tool bag. 
 * Always use new screws. 
 * Use a torque screwdriver if you have one.

Also is there a shortcut?

Like without opening it all up, can I just spray compressed air on the fans, and will that clean the laptop or could that make it worse?

 

Can anyone confirm if this method is safe?

 

Use this link for the service videos. Check the FRU removal/replacement section.

 

not sure about the X60, but I've cleaned a ton of crud out from the airflow channels of T-series machines by removing the keyboard and using canned air to blow the dust etc out of the fan.... this works far better than trying to suck it out with a vacuum. The fan does make a fun "Wheeee" sounds when spun with the canned air, but it never seems to have a detrimental effect.

 

As previous posters said, removing the keyboard and using canned air would be the easiest solution. But I've read many times that it's better to block the fan with a thin pen or a screwdriver before applying air.

I normally block it with a #1 Phillips screwdriver and then apply air from the inside to the outside, then move the fan a little bit, block it and spray some air again.

IBM/Lenovo has done a great job documenting the necessary steps to remove hardware parts, you definitely should check the link posted by Hearts above.